t them in
hand again and enforce some fire discipline. Then, as they advanced
through the bush, the bluejackets and the Marine Artillery took the wood
on the left in hand, and the steel gun opened upon the lurking enemy.
The rockets were also brought to bear upon them, and very soon the place
was clear, a few wounded Ashantis being discovered as we advanced. But
still our men were far from Dick and his little force, and he had yet
much difficulty to contend with.

"First, let us see to the wounded," he said, as they lay breathing
heavily in the forest. "Then we will follow hard upon the tracks of the
enemy, in the hope of joining our comrades. Now, who is badly hit?"

There was no response from the tars, though he looked at each one in
turn.

"Then who is hit at all?" he asked.

"One here, sir," was the reply from one of the lusty fellows. "One of
those rascals struck me in the leg with his knife. He's back there,
sir, for it hurt and I give 'im what for right away. It's a bit of a
scratch and the surgeon will fix it up when we get back. Plenty of
time, sir."

"And I've a slug somewheres about me shoulder," sang out another; three
more acknowledging the same sort of wound, and all making light of it.

"Then we are lucky, my lads," said Dick, gaily. "A slug is nothing. I
have one somewhere about my ribs, and it gave me quite a nasty knock.
But I am sure it has not penetrated. Then no one needs to be carried,
and none are bleeding to death. Good! We will advance. Now, we will
go by one of these paths, and we will keep a careful watch in front and
rear as well as to either side. Jack, take the advance, please. I will
go to the right, for I am more used to the forests. Keep a bright
look-out, as these fellows are fond of an ambush."

Once more they sprang to their feet and went into the forest, but on
this occasion they were able to follow a native path. Still, their
progress was slow, for the men who scrambled through the underwood,
seeking for the enemy, could, naturally, not get along as rapidly as
those in the open. At length, however, the party emerged from the
forest, and came upon the breast-high bush which the Houssas and West
Indians were attacking, and from the sounds proceeding from it made sure
that the enemy were then rapidly retreating.

"Then we will help them," said Dick. "Can you men run a little
farther?"

There was an emphatic nod from all as he asked the question.

"Then